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    HomeAbout UsOrganizational StructureOffice of the Chief of Operations
Capitol Grounds and Arboretum
        
                  The Basics
      
Director

Jim KaufmannThe Capitol Grounds and Arboretum jurisdiction maintains and preserves the historic landscape of the Capitol campus.

The grounds encompass 286 acres, including Union Square, the 13-acre site situated between the U.S. Capitol's West Front and the National Mall. The jurisdiction provides professional grounds management services, vehicle and equipment maintenance, sustainable irrigation practices, masonry restoration and preservation of landscape elements and memorials.

The Arboretum of U.S. Capitol GroundsThe jurisdiction also provides snow removal and trash collection services. In addition, the jurisdiction supports major events, including presidential inaugurations, lying in state ceremonies, National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial services and the Capitol Christmas Tree selection and display.
          
    
      Current Projects
Capitol Grounds and Arboretum Projects
            
          View of the Summerhouse at the U.S. Capitol with the gates closed.

  Summerhouse Maintenance

The Architect of the Capitol's repair and renovation of the Summerhouse fountain and surrounding landscape is complete. Additional landscape improvements to the grotto and surrounding planting beds will continue into the spring of 2024.
Recent Stories
Related Articles
            
          Behind the Scenes

  Embracing a Vintage Electric Cargo Tricycle for Greener Gardening

This innovative mode of transportation allows the dedicated gardening staff to move throughout the historic grounds of the U.S. Capitol with ease, all while carrying up to an impressive 300 pounds of gardening tools and horticultural materials.
    Behind the Scenes

  Leaves On, Leaves Off: Capitol Grounds Works Through the Winter

In the bleak winter, when most Washingtonians are looking to stay indoors, the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) Capitol Grounds and Arboretum team still spends a lot of time outside.
    Public Notice

  The 2023 Capitol Christmas Tree

Visiting the tree is free and open to the public. No ticket required.
    Programs & Events

  Christmas in July in Wonderful West Virginia

To most, July in Washington, D.C., means hot weather and Independence Day celebrations. At the Architect of the Capitol it also means it's time to go Christmas tree hunting!
Image
    A talented employee of an Architect of the Capitol sheet metal shop.

Expertise

Skillful Craftmanship

We serve in diverse roles applying both modern techniques and historical tradecrafts in the care and preservation of the Capitol campus.

Areas of Expertise Serve. Preserve. Inspire.

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